Aksel Johan Smith

Aksel Johan Smith

Our dearly beloved brother, Aksel J. Smith, passed away on August 24th of this year. He was truly dearly beloved. He carried out his shepherd’s ministry among us for many, many years; he has been a leader to the good, and a compelling example, an “example to the flock,” as Peter writes. Therefore he can expect “the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Verse 4. The internment took place on Monday, August 31st at the Horten cemetery, but the funeral ceremony before, and the memorial feast after the internment, was held at the conference centre at Brunstad where a large flock of friends from Norway and abroad were gathered. Preparations had been made for approximately 1600 guests for the memorial feast. The funeral ceremony in the conference hall at Brunstad was characterized by dignity, something that was also fitting with respect to this spiritual prince who had now gone home to God. And as could be expected, everything was a powerful message to us, a mighty “Come!”; a tremendous encouragement to follow in these same steps. Both the funeral ceremony and the largest part of the memorial feast were beamed via satellite to the churches in the various countries in Europe.

Brother Kåre J. Smith spoke at the bier and read from Isaiah 55:3 about the “sure mercies [grace—Norw.] of David.” There was a fountain of grace over brother Aksel J. Smith’s life and ministry. Since we know that God gives grace to the humble we realize that there was also a fountain of humility and deep reverence for God in his life. There was nothing in his conduct or life that weakened his reverence before God’s face. Because of all this grace that was over his life we realize that he—just like David—was a man according to God’s heart. He has lived his life in and for the church from when he was a child.

His work among us was first and foremost the work of a prophet and a shepherd. The prophetic spirit that was in him had great power to lift up—it had the effect of a stream from heaven that lifted up from the earth and everything that was earthly. He was always raised up in his spirit, always watchful, and could therefore bring a message that came straight from heaven. The sheep and lambs felt secure when the shepherd led them into the valley where the Spirit of the Lord could lead them to rest. Read Isaiah 63:11-14. His words set many people free. Wherever there was a need and difficulties there was Aksel J. Smith—just like Melchizedek—with the right ministry at the right time.

Brother Kåre J. Smith also read from James 3:17, about the wisdom that is first and foremost pure. This is also particularly applicable to Aksel J. Smith. He was also an uncommonly longsuffering man, yet he was firm and unshakable. There is never any willfulness in the wisdom that is from above. A wise man is in the midst of the brotherhood where everything happens according to the holy laws of submission. The bonds of brotherhood that bound brothers Elias Aslaksen, Sigurd Bratlie, and Aksel J. Smith together for so many years were beautiful bonds. He rejoiced over the wisdom that had been given to his fellow brothers—the lowly man that he was in his own eyes. This is wisdom, since wisdom is united with poverty of spirit. You could never taste any willfulness coming from him. We have seen him in many circumstances, also difficult circumstances, and what have we seen? We have seen the glory that was manifested by the Son: full of grace and truth. John 1:14. A wise man is easily entreated. He knows that growth is impossible unless it is in fellowship with all the other members of the body of Christ. Brother Aksel J. Smith rejoiced in this wisdom. He had fellowship with God who forgives innumerable times; therefore he was also full of forgiveness.

An extraordinary man has gone home to God, a sower of the Lord, a seer in God’s word. He was so sound in his ministry and in his preaching. His words were driven forth by the spirit of truth followed by a blessed anointing of goodness. He told many humorous, good stories that hit the nail right on the head; he could come with many, hidden exhortations; he was like a capable surgeon who operated on the roots of the heart. May we also partake of the mind of a shepherd which he had, and receive the same prophetic power to lift up and bear. Brother Aksel J. Smith has written his name with fiery letters into the history of the church, and we feel powerfully drawn to follow him: his life and his work.

During the funeral ceremony at Brunstad several wreaths were laid down by family and friends. To begin with there was a wreath by brother Aksel J. Smith’s faithful wife and helper, Mossi. Their daughter Anne laid this wreath, drawing an exceedingly beautiful picture of the good relationship that had existed all those years between brother Smith and his wife. We heard about an exceeding abundance of goodness and good words to each other, love, and care, and about how they, during the time of illness, could sit and hold each others’ hand in a loving and respectful way. Ove, their son, laid a wreath on behalf of the children and daughters-in-law and sons-in-law with words from Psalm 23 which his father wanted him to learn when he was a child. There were wreaths from grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as from brother Smith’s siblings, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews. In this connection brother Sigurd Johan Bratlie quoted something that Aksel J. Smith’s oldest brother, Kristian, had said: “Aksel has been someone who has made things pleasant for others, and who has spread joy.” Brother Smith could bind together in love. He came with help and comfort at the crossways of life. He was an unusually good uncle for his nieces and nephews, and he made it pleasant for them in many ways because he understood their needs. He could see through the “tough” fascade that many a young person puts on on the outside; therefore he could reach their hearts. There were also wreaths from a number of churches and friends. Among others there was a wreath from Mrs. Yvonne Huslid, of Brussels.

“Thank you for your good and faithful ministry. 1 Peter 5:4.” These were the words which the church in Horten had put on their wreath. As the leader of the church in Horten brother Smith was remembered as a shepherd who never ruled over anybody or sought sordid gain. He followed along very carefully; he paid heed to reactions and needs. Even though he was in a hard trial himself he could serve the friends, comfort, and help them in the midst of it all.

Brother Elihu Pedersen spoke at the cemetery about the living hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead. 1 Pet. 1:3. This hope causes us not to sorrow “as those who have no hope.” 1 Thess. 4:13. Brother Aksel J. Smith presented his body as a sacrifice that was pleasing to God. As a co-worker in his work, his wife has quietly and in the hidden brought many a sacrifice and received many, many shares in her husband’s work. Now God is speaking to us. We go through life only this one time, and we receive days of grace, one day at a time. Let us use them faithfully!

The Memorial Feast

The day continued with a memorial feast at Brunstad, where brother Sigurd Johan Bratlie began by reading from Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the place of your tent . . . lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.” Brother Aksel J. Smith has fulfilled this word. He worked with people, and it was his desire to embrace as many as possible. His heart was with the weak and infirm. “In righteousness you shall be established.” Verse 14. Brother Aksel J. Smith spoke much about righteousness and was established in it. He was far from being self-righteous, far from judging and criticizing his neighbor. Godly righteousness has care and bears the others on its heart. For 55 years brother Aksel J. Smith was responsible for the periodical Skjulte Skjatter. He watched faithfully that nothing of what was printed in the paper should lead in the wrong direction. This is also quite evident in all his articles and conference reports throughout all these years. Difficult times and situations might arise, but brother Aksel J. Smith experienced the truth of Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” His ministry was to bless people. When the question of video, and satellite transmission of our conferences became pertinent it was natural to ask him about his view and understanding of the matter. His simple and wise answer was that everything that can be a blessing to the friends is good and profitable. He had a sense for winning the hearts. Among other things he had a great ability to tell stories, which he made use of in gatherings with young people and children. Everything transpired in this spirit: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Col. 3:17.

Brother Bernt Stadven emphasized, among other things, the importance of brother Aksel J. Smith when it concerned the conference center at Brunstad. He was a central figure in this work and had responsibility for it from the very beginning. In this work too, we experienced his great wisdom and flexibility. All in all, he is one of those who has received grace to do the works Jesus speaks about when He said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these.” John 14:12. These works are to gather to Christ, building the body of Christ on earth. He possessed great wisdom; and if there were difficulties he could solve problems and help in a godly way with this wisdom. In an article about perfect unity (1983) he wrote: “If there is to be perfect harmony in this oneness we must be filled with an abundant fullness of wisdom that plays on all the keys according to the laws of the Spirit of life.” “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things.” Matt. 12:35. This was the very reason that he spoke so much about goodness and love. This is what he lived, and he spoke on the basis of what he lived.

Brother Kåre J. Smith emphasized especially the prayer life that Aksel J. Smith had. He prayed for the entire church. He could also pray for those who did not walk in love. He also prayed for the country and the authorities, as we are exhorted to do in the Scriptures, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” 1 Tim. 2:2. We read in God’s Word about the ministry of prayer and the word. It is the ministry of prayer that gives power and anointing to the ministry of the word. There is neither power nor anointing with which to serve with the Word if there is little prayer and intercession. There was power in brother Smith’s prayer, just as we read in James 5:16: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” This is also the reason why brother Smith’s prayers had such great power when he prayed for the sick. In Daniel 10:11 we read, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved.” Then we continue to read about the help that came for the sake of Daniel’s prayers. This is very applicable to our dear brother, Aksel J. Smith. May his example exhort us to faithfulness in this ministry of intercession, the most important of all ministries.

Brother Elihu Pedersen read from Psalm 50, and quoted one of brother Aslaksen’s remarks about Aksel J. Smith: He embraces and gathers. In Psalm 50:2, Zion is called the perfection of beauty. When brother Aksel J. Smith preached the word of the cross it was possible for him to bring out this beauty. It awakened a longing and a desire for the good among his listeners. He brought out the very same thing that he says in one of his songs: “From the cross God’s light and pow’r shine clearly;” and “Word of the cross can set you free!” Yes, he had liberating words about goodness that can forgive, about the beauty that awaits the godfearing both here and in eternity. Brother Elihu Pedersen could also speak about funny, humorous stories that brother Smith could come with right until the last days of his time of illness.

There were many who testified during the course of the memorial feast, and everything became a harmonious exhortation to follow in our faithful brother’s steps. Among other things, his songs were mentioned that contain words that point in the same direction of the life he lived. Many examples were mentioned about his large, warm heart that embraced so many. About the double river (Ezekiel 47) it is written that there was health and healing wherever it flowed. Verse 9. This illustrates the life of brother Smith. He preached the sound doctrine, and there was health and life wherever he worked. He was active in many countries and parts of the world. At one time, as late as June of this year, while he was sitting and speaking about the work in other countries, he was so alive to what he said that he switched over to German and continued to speak in German. Such a man is like an iceberg: most of it is hidden. It was overwhelming to get a glimpse into this hidden life. For example, all the letters and greetings he wrote to those who were lonesome; all the visits he made and good words he gave; his simple and good conduct in his home. His children could relate about his natural conduct at home—everything bore the mark of godliness, a tremendous confirmation of the fact that a spiritual person is first and foremost natural in his conduct. The children never experienced backbiting in their home. One of the daughters spoke of her desire to follow in her father’s steps on the way down, because “the lower I come, the closer I come to Father and the life he lived.” In connection with his home the hidden and blessed ministry that his wife had was also mentioned. She had the ability to “vanish,” to be hidden, and carry out her ministry for the home and the church quietly and faithfully, in the hidden. Among other things, she often had the great task of expediting the paper Skjulte Skatter during his absence, without the technical aids that are available for this kind of work in these days. Kjell Arne Bratli, during his contribution during the memorial feast, could confirm Smith’s love for the local fellowship in Horten as well as for society at large. He characterized Smith as a man with a fantastic “cornucopia” which many—also outside the church—enjoyed immensely.

An excerpt from one of the articles Aksel J. Smith wrote 50 years ago, was also read: “What impression would people get if they could suddenly look into our thought life, into the chambers of our heart? If they could go from room to room, what would they see? Would the hearts of your opposers melt if they could look into the prayer chamber of your heart and see the walls deeply engraved with names, and also find their own names deeply engraved with love and care?” Here we get a glimpse into the hidden depths.

In 1964 he wrote in an article: “May we also be able to conclude our life with an “Amen” after a wholehearted race in love in faithfulness toward Christ.” Now brother Aksel J. Smith has finished his race in love. May we all, when the day comes, also conclude our life in this way here on earth after the race is finished.